In this article, we will be taking a look at the 15 countries with the highest prostate cancer rates in the world. If you do not want to learn about the global prostate cancer market, head straight to the 5 Countries With The Highest Prostate Cancer Rates In The World.
Prostate cancer remains a significant global health concern, with certain countries reporting higher incidence rates than others. From well-established risk factors to regional healthcare disparities, understanding the geographical variations in prostate cancer rates sheds light on the complexities of this disease and underscores the importance of targeted interventions and awareness campaigns on a global scale.
Understanding the Global landscape of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer worldwide, with over 3.1 million men in the United States diagnosed with it. In the US, there were an estimated 268,490 new cases and 34,500 deaths from prostate cancer in 2022.
Prostate cancer is more common in older men, with about 6 out of 10 cases diagnosed in men aged 65 and older. African American men have a higher incidence rate than White men, with mortality rates roughly twice as high. Epidemiological insights reveal that African American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer globally, attributed to genetic factors and disparities in healthcare access.
Mortality rates for prostate cancer vary worldwide, with the highest rates recorded in Central America and Western Europe. The US Preventive Task Force suggests a potential benefit of decreasing deaths from prostate cancer in men aged 55-69 years. Financially, the global prostate cancer therapeutics market is expected to reach $26.7 billion by 2031, driven by an aging population and innovative drugs extending survival rates for advanced cancer patients.
North America dominates this market, accounting for 41.1% of sales in 2022, followed by the 5EU countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK). Key players in this market include Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Astellas Pharma, Inc., AstraZeneca plc, and others.
Navigating the Global Landscape of Cancer: Costs, Challenges, and Perspectives
Innovative cancer treatments, including molecular therapies and advanced diagnostics, are transforming healthcare globally. However, their high costs place a heavy financial burden on patients, affecting their well-being. Cancer patients face median annual expenses ranging from $1,730 to $4,727, surpassing those without cancer by $976 to $1,170. Between 22% and 64% of cancer patients experience stress over medical bills, worsening financial hardships for vulnerable groups.
Global spending on cancer medicines surged to $185 billion in 2021, mainly in developed markets like the US, EU4+UK, and Japan. Despite promising outcomes, ensuring equitable access remains a challenge. In 2020, there were 19.3 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million deaths worldwide, with prevalent cancers like breast, lung, colorectal, prostate, and stomach significantly impacting global health. Mortality rates highlight cancer’s profound impact, causing approximately one in six deaths globally.
The World Cancer Research Fund’s estimate of 18,094,716 diagnosed cases in 2020 underscores cancer’s multifaceted nature. The age-standardized rate was 190 cases per 100,000 individuals, higher among men at 206.9 compared to women at 178.1. These figures emphasize the complex challenge of addressing cancer comprehensively.
The pricing of cancer therapies, especially biologics, is heavily impacted by market dynamics and comparative effectiveness research, posing challenges in global price comparisons and resource allocation. Key players like Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) and AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) are at the forefront, emphasizing personalized medicine and innovative research to advance cancer treatment.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) has been instrumental in advancing cancer treatment, particularly in immuno-oncology. Their support for research by Dr. Jim Allison and Dr. Tasuku Honjo led to the development of the first widely accessible immunotherapy, improving outcomes for various cancers. Recently, they gained FDA approval for relatlimab, a new cancer immunotherapy expected to exceed $4 billion in annual sales when combined with Opdivo.
They’re also developing immune cell engagers and targeted protein degradation modalities. With the FDA approval of Augtyro for lung cancer targeting the ROS1 gene alteration, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) demonstrates a solid commitment to innovation. Financially, they anticipate significant sales from Opdivo and relatlimab combination therapy, with other promising products in their pipeline contributing to future growth by 2030.
AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) is committed to transforming cancer care across various types, including lung, breast, ovarian, prostate, blood, liver, and pancreatic cancers. AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN) focus on understanding cancer complexities to develop life-changing treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Key contributions include active involvement in lung cancer research via partnerships like the Lung Ambition Alliance, advancing breast cancer care with innovative medicines like Truqap, and boasting a diverse oncology portfolio focusing on targeting cancer cells effectively at every stage, utilizing platforms like Tumour Drivers and Resistance (TDR) and Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC).
A scientist in a lab researching the biology of a cancer cell.
Our Methodology
For our methodology, we have ranked the countries with the highest prostate cancer rates in the world based on the 2020 prostate cancer rates ASR/100,000. For data accuracy, we have relied on WCRF.
Note: Although our list is on countries, we’ve also included some territories of other countries separately due to their high incidence rates.
Here is our list of the 15 countries with the highest prostate cancer rates in the world.
15. The United Kingdom
Prostate Cancer Rate ASR/100,000: 80.7
Prostate cancer is a prominent health issue in the UK, with high survival rates of almost 8 in 10 men surviving for ten years or more after diagnosis. The UK is one of the countries with the highest prostate cancer rates in the world. However, the incidence of prostate cancer remains substantial, with a notable number of new cases reported annually. Regional variations are evident, with a significant North-South divide in diagnoses. In London, only 12.5% of men are diagnosed with metastatic disease, compared to over 35% in Scotland. These differences highlight the necessity for targeted interventions and awareness efforts to address regional variations in diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
14. Australia
Prostate Cancer Rate ASR/100,000: 85.6
Prostate cancer is a significant health issue in Australia, with a diagnosis rate of 85.6 per 100,000 people and a median age of diagnosis at 69 years. It’s a leading cause of male cancer deaths, responsible for about 12% of all male cancer-related deaths. Survival rates vary by stage, with a 100% five-year relative survival rate for Stage I but only 36.4% for Stage 4 cases. It’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, affecting approximately one in six males by age 85.
13. Czech Republic
Prostate Cancer Rate ASR/100,000: 88
The Czech Republic, with a population of over 10.5 million, grapples with significant cancer challenges, witnessing over 82,000 diagnoses annually, resulting in more than 27,000 deaths. Prostate cancer is a considerable concern, with 8,000 new cases recorded yearly. Managing cancer imposes a substantial burden on the healthcare system, with significant expenses for diagnosis, treatment, and care contributing to financial strain.
12. New Zealand
Prostate Cancer Rate ASR/100,000: 90.8
New Zealand has a high incidence of prostate cancer, with around 4,000 new cases annually, making it the most common cancer in men. There’s no formal screening program; instead, opportunistic screening is provided by primary care physicians. The increasing incidence of clinically significant disease is projected to impact the aging male population, necessitating effective treatment and preventive strategies.
11. Bahamas
Prostate Cancer Rate ASR/100,000: 98
The Bahamas faces a notable burden of prostate cancer, reporting 201 new cases in 2020 with a mortality rate of 98.0 per 100,000 people (age-standardized). The adjusted mortality rate in 2019 was 44.7 per 100,000 men. A study on non-metastatic prostate cancer showed a 5-year and 10-year overall survival rate of 94%.
10. France
Prostate Cancer Rate ASR/100,000: 99
France stands among the countries with high prostate cancer rates, with over 66,000 new cases in 2020 and an age-standardized incidence rate of 99 per 100,000 people. While the incidence of cancer in French men decreased by 1.3% annually between 2005 and 2012, there were still 204,600 new cancer cases and 67,800 cancer-related deaths in 2018. Additionally, over 1 million adults in France had survived cancer for five years by 2012, representing around 2.5% of the population.
9. Sweden
Prostate Cancer Rate ASR/100,000: 100.4
Sweden ranks fourth globally in prostate cancer mortality, 21% higher than the United States. Despite some success in managing localized cases, overall mortality remains high. PSA testing has increased incidence and prevalence, with familial cases notable. Geographical variation exists in Sweden’s prostate cancer rates. The economic burden is significant, with treatment costs impacting healthcare expenditure.
8. Puerto Rica
Prostate Cancer Rate ASR/100,000: 101.2
Prostate cancer rates in Puerto Rico are among the highest globally, with an incidence rate of 101 per 100,000 people, making Puerto Rica stand among the countries with the highest prostate cancer rates in the world. Older Puerto Rican men, especially those aged 85 and above, have a higher incidence compared to non-Hispanic whites and US Hispanics. Between 2007 and 2011, Puerto Rico reported an average annual cancer incidence rate of 339 cases per 100,000 persons, with prostate cancer being one of the most prevalent types. The Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry recorded 68,312 invasive cancers diagnosed during this period, with prostate cancer being common.
7. Estonia
Prostate Cancer Rate ASR/100,000: 102.1
Estonia faces challenges in accurately reporting prostate cancer mortality rates, urging careful interpretation. PSA testing has led to a significant rise in prostate cancer incidence, making it the most common cancer among Estonian men, with 1,100 new cases annually and 3,800 deaths yearly. Late-stage diagnoses persist compared to other European countries. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 9% drop in cancer diagnoses in 2020. Estonia provides free cancer screenings and treatment for insured and unemployed individuals, including Ukrainian war refugees with insurance. Ongoing efforts aim to improve screening rates, guided by the Estonian National Cancer Control Plan (2021-2030).
6. Saint Lucia
Prostate Cancer Rate ASR/100,000: 103.2
Saint Lucia has one of the world’s highest rates of prostate cancer, with 135 new cases and 54 deaths in 2020. Saint Lucia has two public cancer centers per 10,000 patients but requires more resources and research investment for improved care. With 182,795 premature deaths from non-communicable diseases in 2016, addressing cancer is vital for reducing mortality rates.
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Disclosure. None: The 15 Countries With The Highest Prostate Cancer Rates In The World is originally published on Insider Monkey.